In 2021, when someone asks about my life 10 years ago, I’ll remember.

2011 was the year I traveled to Orange County California for Jessica Claire’s workshop, and was forced to re-evaluate the way I post-processed, posed, and lit my images. I also realized at this time that if I wanted my business to move forward, I needed to have more time to devote to it, which would mean quitting my teaching career.  (January)

Workshop:  Jessica Claire:  http://www.jessicaclaire.net
Models:  Ashley & Jeff Perez:  http://www.ashley-photographer.com/
Dress:  Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/blueeyebrowneye
Flowers: Jacqueline Ahne: http://www.floraldesignbyjacquelineahne.com
Hair & Makeup:  Nicole Deanne:  http://www.nicoledeanne.com

By the time Amy and Ken’s wedding came around on February 26th, I was officially a full time wedding and portrait photographer, and my own boss. (I’m SO excited that Amy and Ken will be welcoming a new little bundle into their lives, probably today!! Can’t wait to meet that little guy.)

2011 was the year I exceeded my own expectations. I set out to shoot 12 weddings, and was blessed to be entrusted with 15.

2011 was the year my mom (and best friend and biggest fan) beat breast cancer. There’s no way I’d be where I am today without her love and support, and I thank God for the strength and healing he gave her.  (I’m embarrassed that I don’t have a picture of this woman to show you…resolution number 1!)

2011 was the year of AWESOME senior reps and fun families.

2011 was the year that I had the courage to step out of my comfort zone, and dream up a styled shoot with a woman who has become a trusted friend.

I’m always excited for new years and a new start, but 2012, I will warn you…You have big shoes to fill!

Happy New Year to you and yours, and may you have a healthy + prosperous 2012!

In August, I was thrilled to have the pleasure to photograph the wedding of Anna + Tim.

Anna was absolutely gorgeous, and everything went off without a hitch. I was so excited to see them be featured on COUTUREcolorado last week.

Here are a few of my favorites from their wedding, but be sure to head over to the feature to see more of them.

Anna chose a truly stellar lineup of vendors for her big day!

Photography: Amanda Lamb Photography

Planner: Sarah Viera Event Planning & Design

DJ: Celebrity DJ

Cupcakes/Cake: Sweetpea Cake Company

Ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Reception: Antler’s Hilton

Hair/Make-up: Magnifica Bella

Flowers: Rhonda Nichols Floral Design

I’m proud to announce that in the last 2 weeks, I’ve been published, not once, but 3 times.  I wanted to be sure my followers got a chance to see the great features that were put together by these three websites.

DIY Bride (awesome resource for do-it-yourselfers!)

BridesView (think Pinterest, but just for brides!)http://blog.bridesview.com/post/14118640799/amanda-lamb-photography-anna-and-tim

Featured twice on COUTUREcolorado (a lifestyle blog for Colorado residents that has an awesome wedding section). Once for the Mad Men styled shoot, and once for Anna and Tim’s awesome wedding in August.

Christmas is coming, and I’m busy with holiday preparations, and eager for an excuse to celebrate the birth of our Savior and have quality time with my wonderful family.

May your holiday be merry and bright!

Sarah did NOT disappoint me. (I’m not sure it’s possible…the girl is amazing!) I found it particularly impressive that even though she had never seen the show Mad Men, she managed to pull together the details for the shoot PERFECTLY. But, I don’t really have to write about it because I can just show you!

In addition to Sarah, we had many awesome vendors help us put everything together. Of course, I will list them at the bottom.   I also got to work with my favorite videographer again, Kyle Koziol of Kozi Visuals. Be sure to check out his video which will also be posted at the bottom.  

Click on the image below to see a slideshow of the images! There are several, but I hope that any bride getting married next year will find it inspirational!

And the awesome video:

Please visit these amazing vendors who helped us pull it all off!

And a huge thank you goes out to our models, Bryce, Aften, Nev, Kat, Eliza, and Chad!!! 

I get a lot of requests for boudoir portraits around Christmas and Valentine’s day. I also get a LOT of questions about boudoir sessions, so I thought I’d address some of those here…so, without further ado, here we go!

1. What is Boudoir? Literally, the word boudoir is a French word for a woman’s private sitting room or bedroom (thanks, Dictionary.com…I already  knew that but figured I’d check, just to be sure…especially since I took Spanish in High School, not French).  So, in turn, boudoir photography is done of women in such a situation, and is extremely popular among brides-to-be, women whose husbands are overseas, or are about to deploy themselves, and even women looking for an extremely unique, and incredibly special gift for their husbands for Christmas, or Valentine’s Day. Among brides to be, boudoir sessions are a wonderful wedding gift for your betrothed. Boudoir sessions are a great add-on for any wedding package.
2. What do I wear to a boudoir session?  Most women choose to buy a few new pieces of lingerie for their shoot, but it really isn’t necessary to go ALL out on new pieces for your shoot. Many women will find a t-shirt their man loves them in, one of his ties, hats, some jewelry, and pair it with pretty pieces of lingerie they already own. Many women also opt for their wedding day lingerie for their shoot as well. For ladies who get a lot of lingerie at their bachelorette party, boudoir sessions are an awesome way to show off all the fun pieces you receive, and preserve them forever!
3. I’m really self conscious. What if I’m uncomfortable? Well, you probably will be-but only for a second! I promise to make it as fun as possible, and you will feel gorgeous. The poses will feel natural, and I make every effort to put you completely at ease. Some women opt to bring a close friend, to help them put themselves together, select looks, and just make them giggle!  And, with your permission, I’ll bring a bottle of wine, just to calm any last nerves you may have. And of course, if there are any doubts about how much fun you’ll have, I have several references.
4. Will you put pictures of me on the internet? Unlike a typical session, boudoir is obviously much more intimate and private. In the past, I haven’t shown any boudoir images, in the interest of keeping my site “work friendly”. Being a former teacher, I know the importance of having a “clean” website. However, in the future, I may post one or two images of your session, but only with your permission, and of course, only in good taste. If you’re not comfortable, I won’t show it. Period! (The three images you see below are shown with permission from that beautiful lady.)
5. What do I do with my images? You have lots of options when it comes to printing and displaying your images. Some women elect for large displays (gallery wraps or framed prints) to hang in their closets. Other women will create a series of smaller prints, and anonymously send their images to their guys via mail. However, the most popular option by far is to create a small 5×5 or 8×8 storybook album showcasing your images to give to the man in your life. These books are the perfect size to be discreet, and slip into a pocket or a suitcase.
6. Where will we do my session? I almost always recommend your home, if you can pull it off. The reason for this is simple: It’s a place familiar to your loved one. If you aren’t fully pleased with your bedroom, or if you’re afraid your lighting isn’t good, etc., other options can be arranged. Some hotels allow boudoir shots to be done there, and boudoir can also be done in studio. In short, anywhere that gets good natural light, and looks cozy, is a great location for your boudoir session.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, and a really special, unique gift for the special someone in your life, give me a call and set up your boudoir session soon to have your gift ready in time for Christmas. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Bryan and Gina, thanks so much for letting me be part of your special day!

Liz and Brian were married in one of the most unusual places I’ve ever even heard about having a wedding. At the top of Colorado Springs’ Pikes Peak! True story: they even broke the record for the number of guests in attendance. The wedding went off without a hitch. We were all a little worried that someone might get altitude sickness, but everyone did great, even their beautiful Rottweiler, Hass.

Liz planned a simple, country themed wedding. Her dress was perfect and came from J.Crew, which was exciting because I didn’t even know that they made wedding gowns.

Liz and her dad (and I) rode to the top of the Peak on the Cog Railway. I was THRILLED for this opportunity. I have lived in or around Colorado Springs my entire life, except for 4 years of college, and had never ridden the railway. Liz was gorgeous, and everyone made quite a fuss about her. Who could blame them??

If you watch Matt Meister regularly, you might recognize this next photo. I sent it to him the day of the wedding so he could see the pretty white clouds up on the summit. He was nice enough to put it on the air!

After the ceremony, we stopped at Crystal Lake for a few portraits. The weather all day, including at the top of the Peak, was gorgeous. Absolutely picture perfect. Period.

Liz and Brian had their reception at Liz’s aunt’s mansion house. Believe me, blogosphere. It. was. beyond. gorgeous.

Liz, Brian, and Hass, thank you so much for letting me be involved in your special day! I loved getting to know you guys, and had so much fun with you! And since Hass was such a courteous back seat mate (he only licked me a few times), I had to include one picture of his handsomeness. He’s…awesome, and I love him. But don’t tell my dog Scout. She’d be horribly jealous.

Starting with Jen’s dress, which came form Danelle’s Boutique. I just LOVE the gathering, ruffles, and flowers…and when she had it on, it looked like it was made just for her.

Jen and her girls celebrated with mimosas before getting ready.

I love these of Jen in front of the window. We brought her dad around the building to see her through the window before he came in to see her face to face. It made for quite the emotional setting for the two of them. And if you guessed that I was teary eyed too, you’d be right.

Jen has an older brother. She inherited many of his guy friends, and I was SO proud of these boys. It was very important to her that they be around to see her and hang out with her before her ceremony began.  Sometimes, guys can get a little irritated at the thought of catering to every whim of the bride. But these boys couldn’t have been happier or more flattered to spend time with their surrogate little sister and friend. To say that they were supportive would be an understatement.  One of them was even teary eyed over seeing that Jen was SO happy.  Jen is lucky to have so many great guys in her life!

I just LOVE Shove Chapel. Truly…it’s gorgeous.

I loved that Jen and her mom decided on using candles as decoration at their wedding ceremony. It gave such nice ambiance to the room.

The look on Gabe’s face after seeing Jen with her dad was just priceless. He absolutely adores his wife.

This image is such a classic depiction of Jen and Gabe’s relationship. She makes him laugh so hard it hurts!

Jen and Gabe, thank you SO MUCH for letting me into your lives to capture your day. I’m so glad you’re thrilled with the pictures. I wish you many happy years together, and may you always laugh until it hurts.



Anyway, Chris is in the JAG division of the Air Force.  I of course found this to be SO very cool and exciting. After all, I did teach government for the last 6 years!  I finally got to ask someone all those questions about the military courts that I really had no idea about before.  Woot!  He changed into his uniform at the end of our shoot, and we headed down to The Broadmoor to get these awesome low-light, evening shots.  I was so excited about how well the off camera flash lit up the tree blossoms!

And as an extra added bonus, Amanda and Chris are absolutely so much in love.  I swear, we didn’t go anywhere without Chris having his arm around Amanda, opening her every door, and just loving on her every chance he got.  These two no doubt have a long and happy future awaiting them after tomorrow. I can’t wait to capture their wedding!.

Amanda and Chris, I wish you SO many happy returns on your impending life together.  It’s been so much fun getting to know the two of you, and I can’t wait to GUSH on here about your amazing wedding day.

PS: Did you notice the awesome LIGHT in these shots???  That’s right people, Summer has finally started her battle with Winter, also known as Springtime in the Rockies!  I guess I just needed some of our yummy summer-ish sunlight to remember how truly beautiful it can be here.  Whew! Just in time.

So excited to show you Kristen and Anthony’s wedding at the Cliff House in Manitou Springs!  It was beautiful, and I had such a blast!  Kristen and Anthony have been dating for over 10 years, so this wedding was kind of a long time coming!  Kristen and Anthony are absolutely adorable together.  You probably remember them and their adorable doggies from their engagement session in October.

Kristen’s dad passed away before he could walk his baby girl down the isle.  But, Kristen made sure he was still a special part of her day.  She had his picture tied to her bouquet, and was sure to leave an empty seat for him at the ceremony, on which she placed a lovely white rose.  If you guessed that it made me cry, you totally guessed right.  Those are the moments when I’m SO happy to have a camera to put in front of my tear streaked face. WHEW!

Kristen was an absolutely gorgeous bride.  See?

I hadn’t shot at the Cliff House before, but I absolutely loved the setting.  It’s truly magical, and the view is pretty tough to beat!

Since downtown Manitou is one of my favorite places to shoot, I was so excited that Kristen and Anthony didn’t mind walking around town after their ceremony.  And I’m sorry, but can it BE any more adorable than to get married one block from Lovers Lane?

The happy couple!

Love the funny teenagers on the right.  I think they wanted to be famous! But it’s hard to take attention away from these cuties.

My usual second shooter, Nicole, was actually the maid of honor in this wedding, so I had to call in back-up.  My awesome “other” second shooter, Janella really rose to the occasion.  Many of these details are from her.

Kristen and Anthony, thanks so much for letting me be part of your special day! You guys were a blast.

This wedding was so much fun because it was practically ALL PORTRAITS!!  Kim and AJ really just wanted to take their time and drive around the park and get some fun shots…so that’s exactly what we did!

Kim, you looked absolutely stunning…perhaps you should consider dresses more often!  Hahaha…

Thanks so much you two! I had a blast!

After several facebook chat conversations, I shared an idea that had kind of been forming in the back of my mind.  A commercial for Lamb Photography Company.  I don’t really do much advertising, but my “about me” page just didn’t quite measure up to what I wanted people who didn’t know me to see about me.  So, Kyle came along on this past weekend’s engagement shoot in Denver and did another amazing job.

So, thanks to Kyle Koziol of Kozi Visuals, I give you the Lamb Photography Company commercial.  That’s right, a commercial. For me. I feel VERY proud.  And, I think you can probably guess who I’d recommend if you were looking for an amazing videographer for your wedding or event.  Click on the link below to watch it!

The Commercial!

Huge thanks to Anna and Tim, who you’ll see more of when I blog their engagement shoot.  And of course, to Kyle for being so inspirational, and helping me keep my cool.  I really spend all my time behind the camera, so this whole idea was kind of unnerving for me.  During the part where I was shooting Anna and Tim, I didn’t even know he was there.  See? I told you he was quality.  :)

FIRST!

I’m heading southwest to Durango for the weekend of April 29th and will be offering 5 Mini Sessions on a first-come, first-served basis!  The Mini-Sessions are $75.  All the details are below!  I would say book now for the best spot, but they’re all good spots.  Come on, it’s Durango!  But you should hurry…this is an awesome deal, and with only 5 spots, they’re sure to go fast!

Second!

I would absolutely LOVE to shoot your wedding in Durango, Colorado.  I will be offering local prices (that means NO TRAVEL FEE, and a savings of $300) for any couple who books their 2011 wedding in Durango!

To cash in on either of these awesome deals, just email amanda@lamb-photo.com, or call 719.648.2152!

Everyone knows the wedding day is all about the bride.  Sorry guys, but if you’re getting married, and you didn’t figure that out yet, it’s a fact.  Most guys just accept this fact and move on…knowing the day will be by and large for her, and doing their best not to upset their dear soon-to-be wives in the process.  I don’t claim to know much about what guys think about weddings, as I’m not a guy.  However, I do know that I have never ever seen or heard of a more attentivegroom than Ken.  While I had met Amy first, I knew from the moment I met Ken that he was unique because he’d been excited for the day he’d get to become someone’s husband.  And he couldn’t be more thrilled that that someone was going to be Amy.  He may not have known right away when she showed up for a party at his house that she was the one, but Amy seemed to have an idea.  Which is one of many many many examples of how these two compliment each other so perfectly.

I’m sorry Ken, and I hope you don’t mind that I am going to tell this story here…but it was pretty awesome for me to get to see this side of you.  I got a call from Ken one random weeknight several weeks before their wedding.  He was concerned because the room where Amy was to get ready didn’t have a mirror.  I think he said something along the lines of, “When Amy gets ready that day, I want her to be able to see herself and how beautiful she looks.  I want to get one of those big, freestanding mirrors, and I want to bring it home with us after the wedding so she can always remember.”  I think I was holding back tears on the phone…because, wow.  He had already put so much thought in making the day special for Amy.  But that wasn’t the end of it.  I said, “Yea, I can imagine you writing her a note and having some pictures of her taking it off the mirror and reading it.”  He then said, “No, I’ve already got that taken care of.  I’ve got a journal full of stuff that I’ve written for Amy, and I plan to have someone give it to her that day.”  Ok, now I KNOW I was holding back tears.  I told Ken how amazing I thought all his plans were, and he said, “Well, it is what it is, but this is what I want to accomplish for her.”  Wow.

Ken did write a note on the mirror he ended up finding for her.  I know Amy was trying to be brave in front of my camera as he read his words for her before she slipped into her beautiful dress.

After meeting all of Ken’s groomsmen, I learned what the term “southern gentleman” meant.  Most of the guys traveled from far away places to stand next to Ken as he married his lovely Amy.  Such a fun group!

Amy looked truly beautiful on her wedding day.  Upon seeing her for the first time, Ken let out an audible “Wow” into his microphone…but I don’t think he remembered he had it on.

Nicole wasn’t able to come with me to this wedding, so my long time friend Janella was able to come along.  She did an awesome job, and among other awesome shots (including the jumping groomsmen above), she snuck this one of Amy while we were getting ready to do some of their portraits.  We stopped at the overlook on Mesa for some awesome shots with very pretty light.  Poor Amy was freezing, but she was a champ!

I was absolutely ecstatic that Amy’s beautiful bouquet looked like it belonged on that overlook.  Perfection.

Now, Amy wasn’t as outward about her love for Ken.  But, she didn’t really have to be.  She wears it all over her face when they are together.

Amy and Ken, you guys are so fun!  Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your awesome day.

Stay tuned for a couple of fun slideshows from Amy and Ken’s wedding!

Amy and Ken will be getting married next weekend. I absolutely LOVED their engagement session at Rock Ledge Ranch, partly because I hadn’t shot there before, and partly because the couple is just so natural and sweet. We had originally planned to head to Garden of the Gods to do their engagement session, but when they arrived at GOG they ran into what typically happens to people who go to GOG on a warm day in January: it was PACKED to the gills with people. I told them that since I shoot there quite frequently I knew where to go to avoid the crowds, but that if they were interested we could go to Rock Ledge Ranch right next to GOG instead. They were up for the last minute change of plans, and I was SO glad.  We got some awesome images, and I got to shoot in a new place.  Amy and Ken, I can’t wait for your wedding in 8 days!!

Then, on January 22, 2011, Kelsey and Brandon tied the knot at Shove Chapel in Downtown Colorado Springs.  The wedding was nothing short of beautiful, and Kelsey and Brandon compliment each other wonderfully.

Kelsey got ready at the Antler’s Hilton, downtown.  Her room was gorgeous, and had wonderful lighting…something that always makes me happy!

Kelsey!  You’re gorgeous!

Nicole, my assistant, was left all alone with Brandon and all his guys.  She did an amazing job!  Nicole is absolutely, 100% worth her weight in gold.  Not only does she do an amazing job, I feel completely at ease when my clients elect to add a second shooter to their wedding day coverage because I know that Nicole has my back!

I was very excited to be shooting at Shove Chapel for the first time.  I had heard that the lighting was challenging at times, but upon arriving at Kelsey and Brandon’s rehearsal I was pleasantly surprised.  I LOVE the lighting at Shove.

One of the things I love about Shove is the DRAMA of the lighting.

There’s something you should probably know about me.  I’m a HUGE fan of lens flare.  Huge. Fan.  I know, I know.  My high school photography teacher would probably give me a verbal lashing for saying so, but I just love it.  So there.

After the ceremony, I literally snuck Kelsey and Brandon out of the church to get just a few portraits before their formals.  The sun was totally gone, but the sky still had a few traces of light.  Not to mention, we were lucky to have some CC students who had their dorm lights on (thanks guys!).

Kelsey and Brandon’s reception was at the Warehouse, a place I’d never been before but had heard great things about.  It exceeded it’s excellent reputation, and was an awesome venue.  Amazing food, amazing art, amazing location.

Upon arriving at the reception, I was surprised to find 2 friends from high school who had attended the wedding as guests!  Such a small world…it’s always fun when I find out that my clients and I sometimes have some of the same friends!

I already mentioned that Kelsey and Brandon compliment each other well.  Their chemistry is absolutely contagious, and the love between them is evident.  Kelsey had waited 7 years for her last name to change…she knew she wanted to marry Brandon very soon after they started dating.  I suppose you could call it woman’s instinct!

Kelsey and her dad put on quite a show while they danced to “My Girl”.  They were so animated, and it was clear that the two share a special bond.  Their dance was the PERFECT opportunity for me to try out something new…hope you enjoy it!  

Kelsey and Brandon, thank you so much for letting Nicole and I be part of your special day!

Kelsey’s Awesome Vendors:

Prep Location: Antler’s Hilton

Ceremony: Shove Chapel

Reception & Food: The Warehouse

DJ: Sensational Sounds Professional DJ Service

Coordinator: Sarah Viera

So, I’m not here to tell you about the holidays (although I hope yours were great!), I’m actually here to show you pictures from the amazing wedding I was so lucky to photograph on New Years’ Day.  You probably remember Shelby and Chris from their fun engagement session back in September.  This couple is truly magnificent.  There was not a second in the day that I didn’t feel like an actual part of their family.  To say they were a joy to work with would be an understatement.  I love it when I walk away from a wedding feeling like I’ve made some new friends.  And this was ABSOLUTELY one of those days.  These two are truly unbelievable, and I’m obviously not the only one who thinks so!  Whenever I think of these two, I will think of 2 things: Jelly beans, because of their proposal story (one of the more unique, yet simple ones I’ve heard to date!) and facebook.  Whenever Shelby was home visiting Colorado, I knew it because Chris would write THE most adorable things on her facebook wall.  I don’t want to violate any privacy by giving specific examples, but they were always “make you say AWWWWWW” adorable.  Trust. Me.

Shelby and Chris, thank you so very much for letting Nicole and I be such a big part of your amazing day.  :)

Shelby’s dress was absolutely gorgeous.

Shelby, girl…all I can say is that you were GORGE on your wedding day. Gorge!  (Although, I know Chris would say it’s not really ALL that different from any other day.)  :)

Shelby and Chris opted to see each other before the wedding.  If they had not done so, our light would FOR SURE not have been this magnificent for their portraits!

So how do I know I’m not the only person who thinks this couple rocks??  Well, there are a lot of reasons.  But my favorite reason is…their wedding party:

Chris, you’re the happiest groom I’ve seen.  And given the woman you married, who could blame you?

Chris and Shelby’s vendors:

Coordinator: Nada Gutierrez @ RSVP Weddings

DJ: Bobby @ Sensational Sounds

Videographer: Kyle Koziol: kylekoziol@gmail.com

Reception Venue and food: Cheyenne Mountain Resort

So, you may have noticed that I title all my posts the same way.  I say, Colorado Springs (because that’s where I am) _____________ Photographer (filling in the blank with whatever type of shoot it was), and then I use this fun little divider that probably has an actual name…but I sure don’t know what it is….you know, this guy: |  And then, I say who the shoot was of and where it took place.  I may sometimes, because it’s often 11:00pm when I write these posts, forget to include some of those details, but for the most part, that’s my formula.  Well, for the first time ever, I got to shoot an engagement session at the actual location where this couple was engaged.  So, truly, Kristen and Anthony were engaged at Garden of the Gods.  Sometimes people ask me if I get tired of shooting at the same places all the time.  As you can see if you’ve been watching my blog for very long, Garden of the Gods is a gorgeous place, and so very much an icon of our city.  When I’m asked that question, my answer is no.  The reason is simply because now, after 4 years of being a professional photographer (and also being a native of the area), I know that park (and many others) like the back of my hand!  It’s great to know just where to go to avoid the tourists, and where to go to get just the right lighting.  I love it!

Anyway, a few weeks ago I did an engagement session for another of my 2011 couples, Kristen and Anthony.  Kristen is the best friend of my amazing second shooter, Nicole.  I knew it was going to be a great day when I saw that this was my first shot

Here is the actual spot where Anthony proposed to Kristen.  It was fun to help them recreate the moment!

I had a really great time with K & A, not to mention their adorable 4 legged babies, Tucker and Lilly.  I must say, those dogs were quite cooperative.  It might have helped that I had stashed a couple of treats in my pocket.  ;)

Apparently, I’m hilarious…or maybe they are just THAT in love…either way, a good thing.

Kristen and Anthony…thank you SO much!  I can’t wait to shoot your wedding in April!

I normally like to post many more photos than this from engagement sessions, but Shelby has asked me to limit the number of pictures I show to the ones I already posted on her Facebook.  Shelby and Chris have chosen to use a Storybook Album as their guestbook at their New Years Day wedding, and Shelby wants the rest of the photos to be a surprise to her guests…and I’m happy to oblige!  So, here is sort of an extended sneak peek at their engagement photos.

Shelby and Chris, you guys are such a super cute couple, and I can’t wait for your wedding day!  Thanks so much!